Sheree Osborne

Final Day – 10,239 Steps and So Much More

2nd April – 18:35

I’ve reached 10,239 steps.

It’s only 18:35, so I’ll probably do a few more before bedtime – but the target has been met. And what a journey it has been.

This challenge has stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. It wasn’t just about numbers on a watch. It was about perseverance. Inner strength. Determination. And, more than anything, support.

The encouragement from family, friends, colleagues and my wider community has carried me through. Whether through financial contributions, kind messages, prayers, or simple “you’ve got this” reminders – every word mattered. Every gesture helped.

There were moments when my knees ached deeply. Moments when I questioned whether I could keep going. But knowing people were walking alongside me – in spirit and support – made all the difference.

I’ve found a new respect for walking.

I’ve always enjoyed it, but this challenge has reintroduced me to it in a deeper way. Walking isn’t just movement. It’s resilience. It’s commitment. It’s choosing to keep putting one foot in front of the other, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Health is such a gift. I’m so glad I said yes to this challenge.

I know that for some, 10,000 steps is simply part of daily life – commuting, working, being on their feet all day. But for me, this was a real stretch. It required intention, planning, and pushing through physical discomfort.

And in doing so, I’ve gained something unexpected:
A deeper respect for my body.
A greater appreciation for my mind.
And a renewed passion to keep growing and learning.

I’m so proud of everyone who took part – especially my team. What we’ve raised collectively is powerful. This money will go toward supporting autistic individuals through community hubs, work experience, supported living, short breaks, and opportunities that help people thrive.

That matters.

I’m looking forward to seeing my students after the Easter break and sharing this journey with them. There’s something beautiful about modelling perseverance – about showing that growth often comes through challenge.

Small steps, every day.

This won’t be the last challenge. I can feel that already. Perhaps swimming next time. Perhaps something entirely different.

But for now, I’m ending this challenge with deep gratitude and a full heart.

Thank you for walking this with me.

Sheree ❤️🙏🏾🥰

Thames 16 Bridges

Saturday 28th March

I just wanted to share…

I made it.

We completed the 16 Bridges Thames Walk as part of our 10,000 steps a day for 8 days challenge for Walk for Autism – and my body is absolutely screaming in pain – but we did it.

It was hard. I knew it would be. But somehow, more than I anticipated.

The 5th bridge was tricky. The distance between each one felt longer than it looked on the map. And the stairs… the endless stairs. Honestly – don’t they have accessible lifts?!

By the time we reached the last four bridges, I truly didn’t think I could do it.

Every step felt excruciating.

At one point I genuinely contemplated getting an Uber. Tower Bridge looked so far away. My knees were throbbing. My body was done.

But something in me refused.

Debbie – our incredible team leader – kept calling it out like milestones:
“Bridge 13.”
“Bridge 14.”
“Three more left.”
“Two more left.”
“Bridge 15.”
“Just one more, Sheree. You’ve got this.”

My colleagues were beautiful. Dulcie, Margaret and Jo. Encouraging. Gentle. Strong.

And somehow, limping, braving those stairs again – those STAIRS – we crossed London Bridge and pushed towards the final one.

When we arrived, there was this huge wave of relief. Debbie gave us medals. What a wonderful human she is – she looked after us so well.

I’m still a little euphoric. Still can’t quite believe I did it.

Why I Kept Going

There were moments I was tearful.

Moments I wanted to stop.

But I kept thinking about my students.

The young people who show up every single day – despite anxiety, overwhelm, physical challenges, mental exhaustion, and a world that doesn’t always understand them.

My beautiful form group.

They show up.

So I showed up.

I thought about the people who struggle quietly in this world. The courage it takes to navigate environments not designed with you in mind.

And I told myself:

If they can keep going, I can take one more step.

The pain felt worth it.

Not because it was heroic.

But because it was purposeful.

Sunday 29th March

I’m moving very slowly today.

But I’m moving.

And that feels like victory.

The donations have poured in – more than I expected, both individually and collectively. It’s so encouraging to witness that generosity.

This money will help create more opportunities for those living with autism:

• work experience
• local hubs
• supported living
• short breaks
• community connection
• real inclusion

And that matters.

Deeply.

This was for them.

But I also know I grew yesterday.

There is something about pushing through pain – safely, supported, purposefully – that changes you.

Small steps.

Even across 16 bridges.

Still walking.
Still grateful.
Still in awe that we did it.

Sheree

Walking with Purpose: Why I’m Taking Part in Walk for Autism

There’s something about walking that creates space.

Space to think.
Space to breathe.
Space to notice what we might otherwise rush past.

This month, I’m taking part in Walk for Autism – committing to walking 10,000 steps a day for eight days – not just as a challenge, but as a way of connecting more deeply with a cause that is very close to my heart.

Why This Matters to Me

In my work, I have the privilege of supporting young people with autism every day.

I see their strengths – their creativity, their honesty, their depth of thinking, and their unique ways of experiencing the world.

But I also see the challenges they face in environments that are not always designed with them in mind.

Anxiety.
Overwhelm.
Misunderstanding.
Feeling like they have to adapt, rather than being accepted as they are.

This walk is a small way of standing alongside them – raising awareness, showing support, and contributing to something that helps create greater understanding and inclusion.

More Than Just Steps

For me, this challenge isn’t just about reaching a number.

Walking doesn’t always come easily to me. I live with osteoarthritis in both knees, and some days movement takes real determination. So this challenge stretches me – physically and mentally.

But that feels fitting.

Because the young people I support show up every day in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming. If they can keep going, so can I.

This challenge is about:

• slowing down
• noticing the world around me
• taking intentional time each day
• doing what I can, even when it’s uncomfortable

Some walks will feel strong.
Some will be slower.
Some might simply be about getting outside for fresh air when energy is low.

And that’s okay.

Small Steps, Every Day

There’s a phrase I often come back to:

Small steps, every day.

It applies to so much – learning, growth, healing… and even walking.

This challenge reflects that mindset:

• showing up
• doing what I can
• staying consistent
• choosing purpose over comfort

Change doesn’t usually happen in one big moment.
It happens through small, steady actions.

If You’d Like to Support

If you feel able to support this challenge – whether through a donation or simply by sharing this message – I would be so grateful.

More importantly, I hope it encourages even a small moment of reflection, understanding, or kindness toward those navigating the world differently.

Walking Forward

Each step is a reminder that meaningful change doesn’t always come from grand gestures.

Sometimes, it comes from:

• awareness
• presence
• compassion
• and small, consistent actions

Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

Sheree